"Cosmopolitan is an iconic brand that resonates with women worldwide," said Coles. "To be able to take over the flagship edition is both a huge challenge and an incredible opportunity. I relish the chance to put my stamp on Cosmo and make it the young woman's ultimate playbook for confidence, choices and navigating change."

Coles, 50, has been in the US since 1997, working at first for the Guardian, before switching to the Times and then New York Magazine, becoming executive editor of More in 2004.

In the UK, Coles worked for the Spectator and Daily Telegraph before joining the Guardian.

In 2008, Coles produced Running In Heels, a reality show about Marie Claire, which aired on US cable channel Style Network.

The magazine also became involved in Lifetime show Project Runway and this year Coles served as the on-air mentor on the spinoff series Project Runway All Stars.

• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".

• To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook.